Reading Your Way into Good Habits

When I was at work the other night, the Family Consumer Science teachers gave me an article, “Healthful Messages, Wrapped in Fiction” by Tara Parker-Pope. The article discussed the idea of positive messages to girls can be introduced in literature and successfully change their habits. As we have been having problems with DD (teenage issues) and would love to have her get better (more positive) media information, I thought this article may help. I thought it may help me foray into a conversation about the media and its impact on her. Also, I thought perhaps she may read these books.

Impressively, she took to the idea right away. She read the article with interest and then this morning took out not one but three of the Beacon Street Girlsbooks from the library to read and review for me. I thought this was great, because we adults can sit around and discuss what is “good” for kids, but they need to decide if it is really good. When she writes something up, we’ll publish it for your review.

In the meantime, please let me know if you or any of your daughters have read this series.

Mom & Me - Living with a Teenager

My dd is pushing the boarders every day. I guess that is the definition of a teenager. “I want a cell phone.” “Can I start a facebook account?””How do I look – wearing skirts way too short?” We have for the most part found middle ground, when necessary she has borrowed my cell phone with instructions to use as needed but not as wanted. The facebook right now is on hold. And she has agreed to wear leggings under the skirt. I know that I cannot maintain the walls forever so I have to think carefully about what I will and will not allow and how far I am going to fight. Since I actually want to win when I argue and not just cause her to hide her activities, I do have to relent to some of her requests. One which I may relent to is allowing her to blog.

Caelyn has been watching me blog and has been interested in the idea. So she came to me to ask if together we could create a blog site. Not her alone, but us together. Maybe, she saw this as a strategy to an approval. Of course, I’d prefer to think that she thinks back to the days when we used to write together. We would both get our journals our and write on a common subject. It was a special time together. I guess a part of me hopes that she longs for that. So, whether she has just calculated well or she sincerely looks forward to working together, we will be beginning a mother daughter blog. How I’m going to maintain four blogs, I don’t know, but when teenagers ask to spend time with you, you’ve got to take it when comes along. Plus think of all that writing she will have to do and I have supervisory capacity at her request. This could be - - -ok! I’ll let you know the info on the site when we set it up.

What battles have you relented to with your teenagers? What things have you remained staunch on?

Homeschooling a Teen - Space Required

My daughter is part of a summer theater group and she is gone every weekday from 7-4. I think my teen is enjoying the break as much as I am. Her absence leaves me home with her younger brother, who is affectionately nicknamed “Buddha”. He is definitely calmer, quieter, and requires less of my intensity. As an added benefit, my daughter comes home full of information about her fun filled day. “We sang.” “We danced.” “Nate said. . .” “Did you know . . .?” I can’t stop the flow of information (nor would I want to).

Teenage homeschooling, especially homeschooling of a Type A personality, has certainly changed our routine. I am no longer enough. I have had to give her a little more freedom, more chances to interact with others, and more opportunities to explore her identity. Please note we are by no means reclusive homeschoolers. We are active in the society around us through church, Scouts, and volunteering. The difference is that now she doesn’t want my husband and I around (and I don’t mean, just across the room or come find me when you’re ready to go. I mean, completely and totally without parental oversight - - - I try not to take it personally). She wants to be in charge. She doesn’t want me to overshadow her. She doesn’t want me to correct or restrain her. She wants to be known for herself. Thus every morning, we are trekking to the commuter bus so that she can catch up with her theater buddies and ride to camp.

Please understand, I wouldn’t want it this way every day, for say 180 days; but for 4weeks, this has been a great break for both of us.